This is the best, most basic Swiss-made digital caliper you can get with a thumb roller. It offers simple switching between inch and metric. Nothing fancy, nothing confusing. Just slide and read. But wait... there's more!

You can take depth measurements with the .060" diameter rod which protrudes from the rear end of the calipers. You would easily be able to measure the depth of small holes, for example. Or, you can order the same model with the standard flat depth rod.

What's really cool is that you can turn this into a wireless SPC caliper. An optional transmitter very simply replaces the large battery cover. Or, if you still have a fetish for electrical wires, you can run a cable from the battery cover to your PC's USB port. Okay, these add-ons cost money. For one thing, you will also have to buy TESA software (Stat Express or Data Direct) in order for all this to work. Suddenly your basic, simple digital caliper is an investment. But it's nice to have options. Like those digital cameras with a thousand and one settings. It's nice to know they're there but let me just point and shoot.

(For the record: both Mahr and Mitutoyo make wireless calipers that do not require software if all you want to do is input raw numbers onto a spreadsheet.)

The manufacturer supplies a hard plastic case and a manufacturer's certificate of calibration with data. Cables, transmitters and software are sold separately.

Are you new to IP67? It's a somewhat cryptic way to tell you that this caliper, and other IP67 gages, will be able to withstand a considerable amount of moisture in the form of water spray, mist and dust without going haywire. You should look for this if you work in such an environment. It does not mean that you will be able to take it scuba diving, though.

Usage hints

Digital calipers are used the same way as dial calipers. They have the advantage that no specialized skills are needed to read the dial. It is important only that the jaws are closed just to the point of contact and no extra force is applied. This is a highly precise measuring tool which can only give accurate readings as long as the measuring jaws are not damaged. Always wipe the jaws clean before using and always keep the calipers safe and dry when not in use.

Hint: it's easy to take comparative measurements with these digital calipers: close the jaws onto the master piece and set the calipers to zero by pressing the button. The display will read zero. Now close the jaws onto the test piece and any deviation from the master piece will be displayed digitally. You can test many pieces this way.

More information on caliper use can be found on our mechanical dial calipers page.

Caliper specifications

Measuring range: 6" 8" and 12"

Resolution: 0,01 mm or .0005"

Precision: maximum error of 0,02 mm per first 100 mm and maximum error of 0,03 mm from 100-150 mm (.0008" for the first 4" and .0012" for the 4-6" range).

Repeatability: 0,01 mm (.0004")

Display: LCD with large 11 mm high digits

Maximum measuring speed: 1.3 meters per second

Temperature range: working temperature 50°F to 104°F (you may safely store this gage at temperatures from 14°F to 140°F)

Cleaning: wipe the calipers clean and only use alcohol if necessary. No other solvents should be used. Don't immerse the calipers in anything.

Error messages

Just because your display shows an error message does not mean that it's malfunctioning. The most common error message is "004" and this indicates that you have moved the beam too quickly or that water has gotten onto the beam and the electronic component is not 100% sure of the reading. In this case, dry the beam (if necessary) and reset the calipers to zero before taking another reading.

Guarantee and Repair

The manufacturer's warranty is 12 months from the date of purchase against defect in design, manufacture or material. The tool must be returned to the place of purchase in order to make a warranty claim.

Repairs are probably not going to be worthwhile. If the electronics fail, you will have no choice but to replace the entire assembly at a cost of over $90 for the part alone. If the jaws become misaligned or worn, you may be able to grind them or lap them back into shape but it is a job that requires skill. More than likely, you will make things worse in the attempt.

For these reasons, we do not repair this particular model digital caliper and consider it a "throw-away".